OSHA administrator promotes safety in ND oil patch

Companies are being asked to shut down for a period of time to conduct inspections or provide safety training.

Comment

By Associated Press

Crookston Times - Crookston, MN

By Associated Press

Posted Feb. 15, 2013 at 11:30 AM

By Associated Press

Posted Feb. 15, 2013 at 11:30 AM

Minot, N.D.

The regional administrator for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration kicked off a safety campaign in the North Dakota oil patch by urging operators to end fatalities.

OSHA leader Gregory Baxter led the discussion Thursday in Minot to highlight what the industry calls a safety stand down. Companies are being asked to shut down for a period of time to conduct inspections or provide safety training.

Baxter told the group that "the nation's eyes are on you" and said companies need to stop the "injuries, illnesses and deaths."

The Forum says (http://bit.ly/14Wm6Vu) the presentation pointed out recent North Dakota oilfield fatalities, including a 22-year-old who fell 75 feet to his death and a 38-year-old who died after a boiler explosion.